We have waited so long for summer and enjoy longer days with sunshine! Here are some tips for maintaining optimal health while enjoying summer. Skin gets oilier during summer and the chance of getting exposed to UV light increases, therefore, acne outbreaks and tanning are more common skin conditions happening after prolonged sun exposure. Here are some tips to protect your skin from the unwanted effects of the sun.

1. Do daily skin washes to balance oil. Use a mild, alcohol-free cleanser with a balanced PH.
2. Use water-based or gel-based cleansers and moisturizers instead of oil-based products.
3. Wear sunscreen to protect your skin against UV and prevent premature aging, age spots, fine lines, and wrinkles. Chose a sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30. Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before sun exposure and renew every 2 hours while exposure continues. If you go summing you will need to reapply sunscreen any time you come out of the water. While protecting your body don’t forget your lips and feet! They also need UV protection! Use lip balms with SPF .
4. Hydration is a key for skin health, so make sure your body is well hydrated especially if you have prolonged exposure to the sun. Urine is usually a good measure to assess hydration level. Decreased urination or dark urine color are two major alarming signs that show your body needs more water!
5. To cool down your body eat plenty of fruits and green salads! Seasonal fruits like watermelons, musk melons, and different berries are perfect choices. and avoid coffee, alcohol, and sugary drinks as they could dehydrate your body .
6. Don’t forget to protect your eyes from UV. Wear sunglasses that block at least 99% of UV when you are outdoor.

Not all skin products are clean and safe! To find more about the safety of different products use the environmental Working Group database :

EWG Skin Deep® Cosmetics Database

To know more about natural treatment options for your skin-related conditions or prevent premature aging or manage your skin wrinkles, book an appointment with your Naturopathic Doctor.